Gallery
Description
Features
Specs
Reviews
Q&A

Videos (4)

View All
Master Builder Andy Powers and the new Grand Pacific by Taylor

Master Builder Andy Powers and the new Grand Pacific by Taylor

Taylor | Builder's Edition 517e WHB | Overview

Taylor | Builder's Edition 517e WHB | Overview

Taylor | Builder's Edition 517e WHB | Playthrough

Taylor | Builder's Edition 517e WHB | Playthrough

Taylor | Builder's Edition 517e WHB | Feature/Spec

Taylor | Builder's Edition 517e WHB | Feature/Spec

Taylor

Description

The Grand Pacific is a new Taylor shape introduced in 2019 to deliver a new Taylor sound. Built on the innovative V-Class bracing platform, the Grand Pacific is a fully realized example of how body shapes and tonewoods can be sculpted to create distinct and highly desirable tonal palettes. The Builder's Edition 517e Grand Pacific acoustic-electric guitar further showcases Taylor's pursuits to create the most player-friendly guitars in both sound and feel: a compound carve neck profile, rolled fretboard edges, chamfered body edges and new Curve Wing bridge shape. The Grand Pacific is a unique entry to the dreadnought category, possessing clear low-end power, tonal consistency and sweeping versatility. The Grand Pacific 517e acoustic-electric guitar ships in a luxurious hardshell case with Western floral pattern, made by Taylor for optimal fit and protection.

Tonewood Pairing

V-Class bracing helps create an even clearer delineation between the tonal character of each wood. Sitka Spruce is the most prevalent guitar top wood of the modern era. It blends stiffness and elasticity in just the right proportions which translates into broad dynamic range with crisp articulation. The Sitka spruce top on this Grand Pacific features a special seasoning process called "torrefaction," a method of roasting the wood to produce an aged tonal character with greater acoustic resonance and responsiveness. Mahogany, as a general rule, imparts a sound that can be described as "dry" and lives near the other end of the spectrum from rosewood. The "dry" attribute is characterized as clear, woody and fundamental-strong. The note you play is the note you get—a wonderful thing for many players and musical applications.

Electronics

Taylor's ES2 is a revolutionary pickup design that delivers the latest in Taylor’s ongoing innovation in acoustic guitar amplification. The heart of the Expression System 2 is Taylor’s patented behind-the-saddle pickup, which features three uniquely positioned and individually calibrated pickup sensors. Because the pickup doesn't sit under the saddle, the bottom of the saddle comes in full contact with the bridge, allowing all the nuance of the guitar's tone to come through clearly whether playing acoustically or plugged-in. The location of the sensors enables a more dynamic range of acoustic sound to be captured than ever before while playing plugged-in. Together with Taylor’s custom-designed "professional audio"-grade preamp, this system produces exceptional amplified tone and responsiveness. On stage through a PA, plugged into your favorite acoustic amplifier, or direct into recording software, the Expression System 2 faithfully conveys the voice of your Taylor guitar. The Taylor Expression System 2 operates through a proprietary 9-volt battery compartment and easy-to-use volume, and active bass and treble controls.

V-Class Bracing

Taylor's V-Class bracing is a fundamental innovation in acoustic guitar design. It marks an important evolution beyond traditional X-bracing, introducing an entirely new platform for acoustic performance. It is essentially a "sonic engine" that optimizes the response of an acoustic guitar in three key ways: by boosting volume, sustain, and by largely resolving the intonation (in-tune-ness) issues that have long plagued acoustic guitars. V-Class bracing creates purer, more orderly notes that don't cancel each other out or sound "off." They have clearer, more consistent response, and the whole fretboard is brought into greater sonic alignment for a more musical playing/listening experience. Guitars with V-Class bracing are easier to tune; the pitch sounds purer and more solid, and electronic tuners can more easily locate notes for quick, precise tuning. Other benefits: harmonics ring more uniformly down the neck, notes are louder with more projection and sustain, and notes are more consistent, i.e., upper register notes don't get choked out or swallowed. Fewer "sour" sonic qualities exist with chords; a more agreeable relationship is created between notes as they ripen, bloom and decay.

The Taylor Difference

What sets Taylor Guitars apart? Unmatched build quality, the most stable and playable necks, a vast array of tonal options, eco-conscious and ethically sourced raw materials, and a lifetime of service and support.
Taylor Builder's Edition 517e Grand Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Wild Honey Burst
Taylor Builder's Edition 517e Grand Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Wild Honey Burst
Taylor Builder's Edition 517e Grand Pacific Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Wild Honey Burst

Features

  • Taylor-exclusive round-shoulder dreadnought shape, introduced in 2019
  • Beveled body edges
  • Grained ivoroid peghead and fretboard inlays
  • Curve Wing bridge shape
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Body
  • Body type: Round-shoulder dreadnought
  • Cutaway: No
  • Top wood: Solid Sitka spruce
  • Back and sides: Solid Neo-tropical mahogany
  • Bracing pattern: V-Class
  • Body finish: Satin
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Taylor Grand Pacific Compound Carve
  • Nut width: 1.75" (44.45 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Genuine West African ebony
  • Neck wood: Tropical mahogany
  • Scale length: 25.5"
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Neck finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Pickup/preamp: Yes
  • Brand: Taylor
  • Configuration: Behind-the-saddle transducer with Adjustable Sensors
  • Preamp EQ: 2-band Explained above
  • Feedback filter: Phase
  • Tuner: No
Other
  • Headstock overlay: Genuine West African ebony
  • Tuning machines: Nickel tuners with nickel buttons
  • Bridge: Genuine West African ebony
  • Saddle and nut: Micarta "wave"/Graphite nut
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Special features:
  • Case: Taylor Deluxe hardshell "Country Western" case
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: United States

Reviews

5

3 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing2
  2. Jamming1
  3. Recording1
  4. Rock Concerts1
  5. School Bands1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced1
  2. Novice1
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Consistent3
  2. Fun To Play3
  3. Good Audio3
  4. Good Feel3
  5. Stays In Tune3

Reviewed by 3 customers

  • Great playing and sounding guitar.

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byDave

    fromFalls of Rough, KY

    Glad I went for this model Taylor, came with a very artistic case as well. Sounds like a beast and very clear.

  • great guitar would let all my friend know about it

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byHarry

    fromqueens county NY

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great sound Great feel

  • This guitar knows no limits.

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byKeith

    fromNashville, TN

    I now own both the 517e and the 717e. Both are really a new breed of Taylor. That said, they play like Taylor but offer so much more in the way of the kinds of music they are suited for. The sustain is truly amazing and the lows are strong without dominating. I have owned many Taylor's but these two are now my favorites.

  • Previous
  • 1
  • Next

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byKenny

    fromHudson WI

    Is it possible to do a partial trade? I have a Gibson Explorer I purchased at Guitar Center a few years ago Thanks Kenny

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    We cannot do trade ins until your local store open for business.